Syrian insurgents seize control of Aleppo from Assad's forces

In late November 2024, a coalition of Syrian insurgents led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a surprising offensive, capturing significant parts of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city. This marked the first successful attack since 2016 when the city came under rigid state control following intense bombardments by Russian forces. The sudden advances were spurred by weakened support for the Assad regime, particularly from Iran and Hezbollah, who remain embroiled in conflicts elsewhere in the region. The offensive faced minimal resistance, as government troops appeared unprepared for the scale and speed of the assaults. The rebels capitalized on recent political shifts, seeing an opportunity to foster their goals amid the distraction of the regime’s allies. Reports indicate significant territory regained, including notable military installations, as HTS benefitted from effective organization and the element of surprise. The conflict reignited debates over the stability of Assad's rule and highlighted the vulnerabilities within his forces. In response to the offensive, the Syrian military, with ongoing Russian air support, declared a counteroffensive, struggling to regain lost territory. This active confrontation comes against a backdrop of a protracted civil war that has left over 6.8 million people displaced and raised serious humanitarian concerns across the region. The shift in power dynamics within the region has reignited fears of widespread escalations, with neighboring states closely monitoring the developments. Overall, the situation emphasizes the complexity of the conflict in Syria where various factions vie for control amidst international geopolitical interests. The move by HTS towards the previously unassailable city of Aleppo signals a critical moment in the Syrian civil war, questioning the future of Assad's regime and shattering the assumption of relative stability that the region had experienced in recent years.